Suspect In Decade-Old Serial Rapes Arrested, With Help Of Genealogy Database

Question

Article, "Suspect In Decade-Old Serial Rapes Arrested, With Help Of Genealogy Database":

https://www.npr.org/2018/08/23/641208167/suspect-in-decade-old-serial-rapes-arrested-with-help-of-to-genealogy-database

They used GEDmatch to catch the suspect.

Comments

Situation is Nauseating. I personally don't have any quandaries about them using DNA for finding someone using this method. However I reckon there are those that would have some concern

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This is the second time GEDMatch has been able to identify a perpetrator. The first was the Golden State Killer. After the guy was caught, GEDMatch released a statement on their website, saying that information from their databases  had been used to identify the suspect, provided a link to their privacy policy, and reminded users that they could remove their DNA profiles at any time. I did notice that several of my  matches dropped off the site at that time, but I don't know whether it was related to that incident. Congratulations to the Fayetteville, N.C. police department for apprehending the perpetrator.

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I am all for it if it will get rapists and murderers off the streets.  I am sure others will disagree.

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Yes, the suspects

Answer 1

Go for it! The more that are caught the better. If I am related so be it.

Comments

Amen to that!!!

Answer 2

I support the use of it 100% - I made my DNA Public for several reasons.. one is that there seems to be a few unsavory people in my families past - at least three so far that have killed a family member, and a few known for other things.

So if my DNA can help identify someone or bring closure - yeah!

As well I highly suspect some NPE's and want to help those people find answers if I can help.

As much as some may disagree, it is each of our own rights to provide our DNA to help, just like we'd supply any evidence we came across that would help solve a crime.

Answer 3

Ok,sounds great. If this continues your going to find less & less people willing to take DNA tests. It plays right into the heart of what people are hesitant about, outside sources uesing DNA without permission. We will also see even less people using gedmatch & or responding to inquiries about matches. Mark my words.